Alternative to what?

Given out since 1991, the alternative music album award may have outlasted its usefulness. In what way are acoustic-leaning singer-songwriters Fiona Apple and Gotye competing with the sleekly futuristic M83? Throw in Bjork and Tom Waits -- two fiercely idiosyncratic veterans allergic to genre -- and you've got a grouping too broad to make sense.

Given out since 1991, the alternative music album award may have outlasted its usefulness. In what way are acoustic-leaning singer-songwriters Fiona Apple and Gotye competing with the sleekly futuristic M83? Throw in Bjork and Tom Waits -- two fiercely idiosyncratic veterans allergic to genre -- and you've got a grouping too broad to make sense. (Jay L. Clendenin, Brian van der Brug and Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Given out since 1991, the alternative music album award may have outlasted its usefulness. In what way are acoustic-leaning singer-songwriters Fiona Apple and Gotye competing with the sleekly futuristic M83? Throw in Bjork and Tom Waits -- two fiercely idiosyncratic veterans allergic to genre -- and you've got a grouping too broad to make sense.